Anatomical Structure and Location of the Major Alar Cartilage

Description

Seen in lateral profile, the major alar cartilage (greater alar cartilage) forms the pliable framework of the nasal ala and tip, curving around the naris as medial and lateral crura. Its medial crus lies just inferior to the lower margin of the nasal septum in the columellar region, while the lateral crus sweeps posteriorly and laterally toward the alar lobule over the piriform aperture of the maxilla. Surrounding craniofacial landmarks in this side view logically include the nasal bones superiorly, the maxilla and anterior nasal spine inferiorly, and the external acoustic meatus and mandible posteriorly. Orientation is clear. The apex (nasal tip) sits anterior to the septal cartilage and inferior to the nasal bones. For rhinoplasty planning, this is the cartilage you reshape, reposition, or support when addressing tip projection, alar retraction, or external nasal valve collapse. The relationship between the medial crura and the caudal septum matters during septoplasty and columellar strut placement, where overresection or destabilization can drop the tip or create columellar retraction. Alar cartilage integrity also underpins trauma patterns, including postfracture deformity and alar notching after laceration repair. Small millimeters count. Use this illustration in ENT and plastic surgery teaching modules on external nose anatomy, in operative atlases describing open rhinoplasty and septorhinoplasty maneuvers, or in patient-facing materials explaining why nasal valve support can improve airflow. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.